For 16 years, Mitch Colapinto and his wife, Camille, residents of San Clemente, have run Cola's Surf Camp at Poche Beach for kids ages 7 to 16 looking to learn how to surf and become more comfortable with the ocean.

Mitch is a teacher at Truman Benedict Elementary School in San Clemente, but when the summertime hits, he takes on a new kind of teaching role. His wife takes care of the behind-the-scenes business, Mitch said, adding, "It's a real family affair."

"Out here, I don't have to worry about academics, and I'm wearing sandals to work," Mitch said. "We're giving them a skill they can use the rest of their life, and there's no testing."

On top of running the weekly surf camps from July 8 to Aug. 9, Mitch is a part-time state lifeguard.

Cola's employs more than a dozen instructors and junior instructors, many of whom have come up through the camp. Others are now competitive surfers.

"It's kind of neat to see some of the kids that have gone through the camp that are now competitive surfers," Mitch said.

The camp mostly attracts locals, but some kids who attend Cola's Surf Camp are from overseas, including places such as France and Spain.

Mikayla Walker,13, of Mission Viejo rides a wave with some help from instructor Nick Shultz. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
A few young campers ride waves on body boards before taking on the challenge of surfing. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Mitch Colapinto, who is also a state lifeguard, keeps a watchful eye to make sure all of his campers are safe. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Instructor Dylan Scratton paddles out with a young camper to teach her how to ride the waves. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Lindsey Colclough, 12, of Rancho Santa Margarita manages to stand up on her board and ride a wave for a few seconds. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Julien Daguet from Paris, France rides some waves at Poche Beach as he learns to surf at Cola's Surf Camp. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Mitch Colapinto organizes a game for his campers. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Instructor Dylan Scratton, 21, plays a game with the campers. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Mikayla Walker, 13, of Mission Viejo and instructor Jillian Gronnerud, 15, of Trabuco Canyon. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
Instructor Hannah Sheldon, 14, of Ladera Ranch holds up a sea urchin she found in the shallow part of the water. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER
The Cola's Surf camp week two group. JOSH FRANCIS, FOR THE REGISTER

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